Oakville Real Estate News

Find Out The Rules On Pets Before You Move Into Your New Condo

If
you are a pet owner and are planning to move into a condo, it’s best to check
whether Fido can move in with you, too.The
condominium corporation's bylaws or declaration or rules will stipulate whether
pets are permitted and, if so, what kind (whether goldfishes, dogs, birds,
cats, etc.), how many, and other restrictions. While your realtor may
have some insight into the pet restrictions in your new condo, inquire yourself
or have your lawyer check into it, just to be completely sure.Just
as in life, exceptions can be made to the rules. If the owners of 80 per cent
of the units consent in writing to amend the bylaw and the condo board supports
the change, then you may be able to have Fido move in after all.According
to the Condominium Act 1998, condo boards may pass rules that condo owners must
follow, as long as they are reasonable and abide by the Ontario Human Rights
Code. In the past, courts have determined that issuing a blanket 'No Pets' rule
is unreasonable and unenforceable because it's too vague. Service dogs, such as
those trained to help people with physical or mental disabilities, are exempt
from pet bans. Residents must be sure to have the proper medical documentation
to support this claim.Those
condominium corporations that enforce their no-pets rules to the letter, with
no history of making exceptions to other unit owners, typically win court
cases. Those condo boards that are lax or haphazard in enforcing their no-pets
rules may find themselves on shakier territory.Either way, at this point the final decision will
rest with a judge. So if you are a pet owner or are considering getting a pet
once you become a homeowner, just make sure the condo you intend to buy allows
for pets, present and future.

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